What happens when you order a jump start
When you order a jump start, a technician arrives at your location with a portable battery or jumper cables, connects them to your car's dead battery, and starts your engine. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from the time they arrive. You stay in your car or nearby while they work.
Most jump start services operate through roadside information programs, towing companies, or mobile mechanic services. Some are part of memberships you already have — your auto insurance, credit card company, or car manufacturer may include roadside information at no extra cost. Others you call and pay for on the spot, typically $50 to $150 depending on your location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Check your auto insurance policy and car's warranty first — roadside information may already be included at no cost.
- AAA membership, credit card benefits, and car manufacturer programs all offer jump start services as part of their coverage.
- If you don't have existing coverage, call a local towing company or mobile mechanic and ask their jump start rate before they dispatch.
- Have your location, car make and model, and payment method ready when you call.
- After the jump start, drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge the battery, or the car may not start again.
Check what you already have before calling anyone
Your auto insurance policy may include roadside information — check your policy documents or call your insurance company's customer service line. Most major insurers offer it as an add-on for $5 to $15 per year, and many policies include it automatically. If you have it, you'll have a phone number to call right on your insurance card.
AAA membership includes jump start service for members. If you're a member, call the number on your membership card. Credit card companies sometimes include roadside information — check your cardholder benefits guide or log into your account online. Your car's manufacturer may also provide roadside information through the warranty or a connected services app — check your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website.
If you have any of these, use them first. They're already paid for, and you won't pay again when the technician arrives.
Finding a jump start service if you don't have existing coverage
Search online for "towing near me" or "roadside information near me" and look for local towing companies or mobile mechanic services. Call at least two and ask their jump start rate — prices vary widely by location and time of day. Expect to pay more if you're calling late at night, on a weekend, or in a rural area.
Ask whether they charge a dispatch fee separate from the jump start fee, and whether the price changes if they have to travel far. Some companies quote a flat rate; others charge by distance. Get a total price before you agree.
You can also call your car's dealership and ask if they offer roadside information or can recommend a service. Some dealerships have their own tow trucks or partnerships with local services.
What to have ready when you call
Have your exact location ready — a street address, intersection, or landmark. If you're on a highway, know which direction you're facing and what mile marker you're near. The dispatcher needs to send the technician to the right spot.
Tell them your car's make, model, and year. Some older or unusual vehicles need different equipment, and the technician needs to know whether they're bringing the right tools. Have your phone number ready so they can call when they're close.
If you're paying out of pocket, ask what payment methods they take — cash, card, or app payment. Have that method available so you're not scrambling when the technician arrives.
What to expect when the technician arrives
The technician will ask you to pop your hood and locate your battery. They'll connect jumper cables or a portable jump box to the positive and negative terminals — usually marked with a plus sign and minus sign, or red and black. They'll start your car and let it run for a few minutes to build up charge.
Stay nearby but let them work. Don't touch the cables or battery terminals yourself. Once your car starts, they'll disconnect the cables and you're done. If you're paying cash, settle up now.
Ask the technician whether your battery looks damaged or old — if it's visibly cracked, leaking, or more than three to five years old, it may need replacement soon. They can tell you whether it's worth having a mechanic look at it.
What to do after the jump start
Drive your car for at least 20 to 30 minutes without stopping. This gives the alternator time to recharge the battery fully. If you only drive for five minutes and then turn off the engine, the battery may be too weak to start again.
Avoid using power-hungry features like the air conditioner, heated seats, or headlights at full brightness while you're driving. These drain the battery faster than the alternator can recharge it.
If your car doesn't start again within a few hours or days, the battery itself may be dead and need replacement, or there may be another electrical problem. Call a mechanic to have it checked rather than ordering another jump start.
When a jump start won't work
A jump start won't help if your battery is completely dead and can't hold any charge at all. It also won't work if the problem isn't the battery — for example, if your starter motor is broken, your alternator has failed, or you're out of fuel. The technician will try to jump start you, and if the car doesn't turn over, they'll tell you the problem is likely something else.
In that case, you'll need a tow to a mechanic rather than just a jump start. Ask the technician whether they can tow you, or whether they can recommend a towing service. Some companies offer both services and can switch to a tow if the jump start doesn't work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a jump start take?
The technician usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to get your car running. Wait times before they arrive depend on how busy the service is and how far away you are — this can range from 30 minutes to several hours in rural areas or during peak times.
Can I jump start my car myself with jumper cables?
Yes, if you have jumper cables and another car with a working battery nearby. Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of both batteries, then the black cable to the negative terminal of the working battery and a metal part of your car's engine. Start the working car, wait a minute, then start yours. However, if you're uncomfortable doing this or don't have cables, ordering a service is safer and faster.
Will a jump start damage my car's electrical system?
No, a jump start won't damage your car if it's done correctly. Modern cars are designed to handle it. The technician knows the right order to connect and disconnect the cables to avoid any electrical problems.
What if my car is still under warranty?
Check your warranty paperwork or contact the dealership — many manufacturer warranties include roadside information at no cost. Using the manufacturer's service may also protect your warranty coverage if there's an underlying electrical problem.
Can I order a jump start through an app?
Some roadside information services and towing companies have apps where you can request a jump start and track the technician's arrival. AAA has an app, and many local towing companies use dispatch apps. Check whether your insurance company or membership service has an app before calling.